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No new M cars have shown any weight reduction over their previous models and in the case of the new F10 M5 in particular they have shown a severe weight gain. The news of BMW targeting E46 M3 curb weight figures has a lot of enthusiasts rejoicing although the E9X M3 really only weighed in the 35XX range meaning it was only heavier than the E46 M3 by about 150 pounds.

It is likely that the new F80 M3 and F82 M4 will not undercut the E46 and it is doubtful there will be much if any improvement on the weight of the E92 M3 but judgement is reserved until it is here. Just don't start buying into the hype/rumors as BMW models have gotten very, very fat despite promises of Efficient Dynamics and lightweight materials.

I saw another rumor that the hp will be the same as the s65 but with 100 more tq. So basically the same power or less as a fbo n54. Not a bad thing, considering that is the stock m3/m4 starting point, but I was really hoping for more hp.

I saw another rumor that the hp will be the same as the s65 but with 100 more tq. So basically the same power or less as a fbo n54. Not a bad thing, considering that is the stock m3/m4 starting point, but I was really hoping for more hp.

I wouldn't pay much attention to that rumor. It's going to NEED to be 450+.

Love the red E36 hanging out in the background of the last two shots, as if overseeing the proceedings. Even if this thing is "only" 450hp/tq from the factory, a tune will have it well over 500. I'm curious to see what the M guys have done to the motor in terms of power band, and if we will see some kind of variable vane technology employed in the turbos.

This will be a 3-liter / 420hp engine. They need it to be efficient this time around. It will be plenty fast too, but the new M5 needs to have an edge at least in straight line acceleration, so the new M3, since it will be lighter, will not have too much power over the last generation e92.

Its either going to be a game changer, or a game ender, (in favor of its competitors).

I agree. They need to raise the bar high with this one, and not just by saying the new car has the same performance as the E92, but with better economy. With Camaro and Mustang derivatives handing the current M its ass at the track, the new car needs to be significantly improved.

Originally Posted by Q4P

when will displacement be announced? This thing better have more than 3.0L...

I read a rumor somewhere that it's 3.3 liters. No idea whether that came from changing bore or stroke...

With the new turbo engine, all that tq and optimized gearing, handling, etc, this car should be great. The m3 has always been about balance, it won't always have the most power, but overall it should be a well balanced all around great performing car.

For me, the only thing the e9x m3 is missing is tq, if that s65 had 400 lbs tq, the e9x m3 would be perfect, IMO of course.

the current new cars dont look very aggressive, it needs to really overwhelm me.

Additionally, if power is not equally aggressive, its going to flop. with all performance cars pretty much $#@!ing on this small v8, it needs some help.

The thing im wondering now, is now that a performance line up is going to be turbo, will it attract attention from the bigger names like the GTR did? Maybe it will have potential..

I really think there is a lot of hope. With a the lightweight technology of the E90 M3 CRT and more aggressive styling of the F13 M6, BMW might make the right decisions all around for the upcoming M3. The M4 moniker is a huge let down for me though...

Either case, BMW for the most part never disappoints with the M3, so hopefully they don't mess this one up! As you said, with the competition, they have a lot to stand up against.

Originally Posted by bobS

With the new turbo engine, all that tq and optimized gearing, handling, etc, this car should be great. The m3 has always been about balance, it won't always have the most power, but overall it should be a well balanced all around great performing car.

Originally Posted by bobS

For me, the only thing the e9x m3 is missing is tq, if that s65 had 400 lbs tq, the e9x m3 would be perfect, IMO of course.

With the new turbo engine, all that tq and optimized gearing, handling, etc, this car should be great. The m3 has always been about balance, it won't always have the most power, but overall it should be a well balanced all around great performing car.For me, the only thing the e9x m3 is missing is tq, if that s65 had 400 lbs tq, the e9x m3 would be perfect, IMO of course.

The tq kinda just comes with the turbo powerplant they are developing because they are obsessed with efficient dynamics.

Because of the latest developments in the efficiency it seems that I could be able to drive gas/diesel cars for the rest of my life. Younger guys may need to switch to electric cars when oil becomes more and more scarce LOL